Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring has arrived! The cherry trees are starting to bloom again and we celebrate the seventh annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at Pelham Art Center.

Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of spring, celebrated in Japan as a herald of hope and a bright future – a time of renewal. And with renewal comes great energy!

Taikoza presents a Japanese Taiko drum performance and colorful Japanese dances with music inspired by traditional festival songs. Taikoza will take the audience on a sounds and sights journey to Japan. Experience the thunderous rhythm of the 150 lb. ancestral Japanese Taiko drums and the magical soulful melodies of the bamboo flutes. Taiko means big drums — and that’s exactly what Taikoza brings; electrifying, room-thumping rhythms and energy. This exciting group draws from Japan’s rich tradition of music and performance to create a highly visual show. Taikoza‘s music can be heard on Nintendo wii games.  The group has received five nominations for best world music.

Note: The drums are loud, so please use judgment for sensory-sensitive children.

Ikebana by Shoko Iwata
Using cherry branches and flowers, you will be given a detailed demonstration of this traditionally disciplined art form of Japanese flower-arranging, called ikebana. The arrangement is considered a living creation, where nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the Japanese philosophy of developing closeness with nature. You will get a chance to create and take home your own Ikebana spring arrangement. Shoko was certified as an Ikebana teacher in Japan. She teaches and demonstrates this beautiful craft in places like the Hammond Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, NY.

Limit of 40 students. You may RSVP ahead of time to secure your spot: anki@pelhamartcenter.org

Origami by Noriko Kuroo
You will learn how to transform flat origami paper from its original form into wonderful three dimensional works. Noriko has BA from Tohoku University of Art and Design, Japan. She moved to New York in 2003. By assisting her husband, Hiromitsu Kuroo, who is a collage painter in the tradition of origami, she began pursuing and expanding origami technique. She loves teaching this traditional art form that helps paper make the journey from one dimension into another.